02-19-2024, 09:00 PM
After the positive reports on Rockport and the slow reports on Pineview, I decided to give Rockport another chance. The last time I went to Rockport, the edges were soft, needed a long plank to get on and off and the ice was sketchy. Reading MWSCOTT's last report pretty much finalized to me the RP was done for the ice season. Then Jmorefish's report was encouraging so decided to try it, after all, I now have a float suit after reading about Freakyfisherman's experience going through the ice the same day I was at RP and had no issues. Got a later that usual start, started fishing at 9 a.m. Lots of people on the ice, the most I have seen all season! Edges were solid, no issues getting on. Ice was about 10" with the bottom 2.5" solid ice, the rest looked like refrozen slush/snow. It felt solid, I had no concerns walking on the ice. Started in 32 FOW, had to dig several holes to locate the fish, finally stopped in 44 FOW and was there for the duration. This time I set a size limit so I wouldn't bring back too many fish. Kept 8"+ size. Kept 23 fish, returned 25 fish, things started to slow down around 11 when I left. I was happy to get on the ice, feel safe, and catch my beloved, tasty perch! Thank you so much for those of you who were willing to post the ice and fishing conditions!!!